Grant happy to make history

Chelsea boss delight at win

Last updated: 30th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Grant happy to make history

Grant on his knees

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Avram Grant admitted he was delighted to 'create history' after Chelsea beat Liverpool and booked a UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United.

The Israeli coach, who has come under fire at times this season after taking over from Jose Mourinho earlier in the season, has accomplished what the Portuguese legend could not at Stamford Bridge as he guided his side to the final.

Grant's side overcame Liverpool but they needed extra time before winning 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate and he was delighted.

"There is only one special one," he quipped when asked whether he could be ranked alongside Mourinho.

"I am very happy of course, every time you create history it is something special here in England, especially in Chelsea, especially after what we have had this year and especially against Liverpool," he told Sky Sports.

"We have created history and I am very proud I did it in my way, and this is time to say well done to all at the club, from Roman (Abramovich) the owner who created this club right down, my staff, my assistant, everyone is part of the creation here."

He also paid tribute to his opponents, adding: "I must say they are a fantastic team, Rafa plays tactically - you have to be very clever against him.

Lampard tribute

Grant was also quick to hail Frank Lampard who put Chelsea ahead in extra-time from the penalty spot.

The England midfielder was playing despite the recent loss of his mother and Grant reiterated his praise for his man.

"On the way to excellence you can be human and tonight it was more important to be human than football - he was one of our key players today, and it wasn't easy for him but he gave everything to the team," he said.

Grant himself was quite emotional at full time, dropping to his knees on the turf on the final whistle.

"I saw it on television and it was quite embarrassing but it is holocaust day in Israel and I am under the name of my grandfather so it was very emotional - on one side I am manager of a team that created history but on the other side it is not so easy especially for my father so I did what I did," he explained.

Grant is now relishing pitting his wits against Sir Alex Ferguson in Moscow in three weeks time.

"They are a great team with a great manager, but we have time to prepare," he said.